This story was originally posted in 2009, so we dusted it off and polished it just a little.

Passover is one of the most celebrated holidays among the Jewish people. Every year they clean their homes and remove unleavened products, chometz. As they celebrate the Seder, the story of the leaving of Egypt and slavery is told as family and friends enjoy fellowship, prayer and good food in the service of the Holy One, blessed be He.

It was late in the afternoon before the beginning of Passover, and the holy rabbi was wandering through the streets of the Jewish quarter when he came upon some smugglers. From one he quietly asked how much for some tobacco, from another he inquired about the availability of smuggled brocades and imported embroideries. No matter what item he wanted, it was available for the right price.

When he asked if the smugglers could get him some bread or whiskey, they became upset and one stepped forward and said: “Rabbi, are you trying to insult me? The Passover Seder will be starting in just a few hours and no Jewish person would have even a speck of chametz left in his home or business.”

Not one merchant was able to come up with even a crumb of bread or drop of alcohol. No matter the price offered, not one merchant was willing or able to come up with even a crumb of bread or drop of alcohol. The town had removed its chometz and was ready to fullfill the religious requirements of the Seder meals and the Passover holiday.

Thrilled with the results of his failed quest, the rabbi looked up to heaven and declared: “Ribbono shel olam (Master of the Universe), look down with pride at Your people! The Czar has border guards and tax-commissioners dedicated to his commands. The law-enforcement and justice systems are devoted to tracking down and punishing smugglers and black-marketers and yet anything one could possibly want is freely available. Compare this with the faith and devotion of Your children. It has been over 3000 years since you commanded us to observe Passover. No police, no guards, no soldiers,  no jail-and yet every Jewish person  keeps your laws to the utmost!

“Mi K’amcha Yisrael – Who is like Your nation, Israel?”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3) Please share this story with family and friends and leave us a comment or two.

The Story Tour Blog has grown to over 250 short stories about faith. Many visitors to the Story Tour Blog have requested that the stories be gathered together into a book. 72 of these special tales are now available in the new book

Story Tour: The Journey Begins

This special book of stories would be a nice Pesach/Afikomen Gift Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 Click here for the the new book, Story Tour: The Journey Begins filled with 72 stories from the Story Tour Blog